Signs are stacked among our neighborhoods, around our schools and just about everywhere in Monument. These signs are promoting the candidates vying for a spot in the District 38 school board whether they are new or have already been on the school board. The school board election happens every year, and this year the election fell on November 3, 2015. Registered voters that are a part of District 38 were capable to vote for the candidates. There were eight eager candidates running for the school board election. The candidates that ran were Dale Bastin, Kris Beasley, Matthew Clawson, Sherri Hawkins, Lani Moore, Mark Pfoff, Gordon Reichal and Sarah Sampayo.

“The [school board] members may not have day to day interactions with the students, but their work is felt at every level.” Principal Brandl said.

Four candidates out of eight won a position. Lani Moore and Sherri Hawkins were running for the District 1 (secretary) two year term. Sherri Hawkins beat Lani Moore 51% to 49%. Sarah Sampayo and Kris Beasley were running for the District 2 (vice president)  four year term. Sarah Sampayo beat Kris Beasley 51% to 49%. Gordon Reichal and Mark Pfoff were running for the District 3 (treasurer) four year term. Mark Pfoff beat Gordon Reichal 55% to 45%. Finally, Matthew Clawson and Dale Bastin were running for the District 4 (president) four year term. Matthew Clawson beat Dale Bastin 73% to 27%.

“They [the candidate] can do anything day to day, working business, retired military, or coaches.” Principal Brandl said, “A [good] candidate should be student centered and should have a solid background in the school district. Candidates can have various backgrounds, such as being a veteran or  being in the  business field.”

Once on the board, board members have monthly meetings  in which they discuss district policies that can help benefit District 38 . In District 38, there are 12 different sections of policies – (A through L). These policies involve education, the school board, finances, planning and many more important topics throughout the district. These policies help to furthermore educate the students, plan district events such as the use of Don Breese Stadium, what our district’s money goes towards (like new textbooks) and so on. The future of District 38 is bright, and with the help of our new school board members, District 38 has potential to be the best district in the state of Colorado.